March 1, 2022

AP Government Students Hold Supreme Court Simulation

One of the many assets of a Prince education is the opportunity for high school students to take college-level classes with Prince instructors on campus.  These classes not only prepare students for post-secondary education but provide opportunities for interactive learning.

Mrs. Karen Barrett’s Advanced Placement Government classes recently completed a simulation in which students role-played the process of preparing and arguing a case before The Supreme Court of the United States.

Students performed the roles of the nine justices as well as lawyers and clerks on each side.  Mrs. Barrett chose the case to be researched and argued – one that is currently before the court and is scheduled before the end of June challenging the current interpretation of the Freedom of Religion clauses in the First Amendment.

The student law teams for each side researched and prepared the case to be argued. They also answered questions from justices without knowing in advance what would be asked.  The clerks did biographical and case research for their justices and were required to write the opinions.

Mrs. Barrett explains the value of this class exercise.  “This simulation helps students to better understand the role of the Supreme Court and how interest groups appeal to the courts through briefs.  It also required students to research case law and understand an important case that is currently before the court.”

Senior Chase Whalen enjoyed the simulation and said the overall experience was informative and fun.  “I had the role of Associate Justice Samuel Alito. The simulation helped me learn how The Supreme Court works and the complex process that goes into each part of a case. I could see the amount of hard work that goes into hearing, discussing, and deciding on a case.”